Instead of the grind of construction gear and the slosh of mops, there’s the clink of silverware against plates, inescapable, good-time reggae tunes, and laughter among diners.

Five months after Hurricane Harvey ripped across the Gulf Coast, the restaurant – what many consider among the most popular and iconic in Port Aransas – has reopened.

“This is a family-run and -managed business, so it means everything to have the doors open again,” said Kastle Kelley, one of the eatery’s managers.

“I’ve had many people stop me and say Port Aransas isn’t whole until Moby’s opens… it was wonderful yesterday to open up those doors and turn on the open sign and start serving our community again and anybody who chooses to come down and visit us.”

The restaurant was heavily damaged in the Category 4 storm. In Harvey’s aftermath, Moby Dick’s parking lot was feet-deep in a thick mat of soggy vegetation, debris and brightly-colored souvenirs.

On its reopening, the restaurant looks much like its old self again.

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Moby Dick Restaurant's reopened for business in late January, with a restored facade.(Photo: Kirsten Crow/Caller-Times)

The massive model shark is suspended above its entrance, and the life-size pirate greets visitors at the door. Inside, it’s as eclectic as it was before the storm – nautical netting, waterfall cascades and more life-size pirates, these shimmying down from the ceiling by rope.

It’s been a long five months, Kelley said. The front of the building was rebuilt. Mud was shoveled out. Volunteers offered support. They salvaged what they could.

Outside Moby Dick’s on Tuesday, celebratory photos were snapped of the eatery.

Dennis Burk, a retired registered nurse, came from Corpus Christi with his Canon to capture the restaurant’s recovery. He, too, is a fan of its atmosphere and food – especially the green beans. Burk estimated the restaurant has been his haunt for the last 14 years or so.

“There’s pirate in everybody,” Burk said. “There’s always a pirate celebration. So when you have a place with a pirate theme and it’s fully decorated with all the things from the sea, that’s what brings people over. Something special.”

For a list of restaurants and businesses open in Port Aransas, visit https://portaransas.org/hurricane-harvey-relief.

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As crews work to repair the roof of Islander Souvenirs, a sign welcomes tourists to Port Aransas, Feb. 1.(Photo: Kirsten Crow/Caller-Times)